Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Why did I wait so long to buy? - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By GTConvOwner - October 10 - 3:41 pm

  After searching all the competitors out there, including the German and Japanse cars, how could anyone not consider a Mustang? I bought a GT convertible. Wow, for the money this car has no peer. Right out of the box the power and handling of this car are fantastic. To think I can get add-on accessories to boost this performance to even higher levels without breaking the bank is even better. Top down driving is fun. Your passengers in the back may ask you to roll up the windows on the freeway, but in the front seats the wind is manageable. The family loves the car and want to take it everywhere. Four seats. Great stereo with excellent bass response. Very comfortable seats (Im over 6) too.

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  Excellent ZX2 - 2002 Ford Escort
  By didi4349 - October 10 - 12:36 pm

  The car far exceeded expectations. No mechanical problems, has all the bells & whistles-moon roof, etc. I have gotten over 40 mpg on trips. The only problem with Fords is the cars develop a rattle that Toyotas do not have. I love this car, fun to drive and handles well.

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  Way Underrated - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Rockinroller - October 10 - 9:53 am

  Its great that reviews like Edmunds knock vehicles that are actually superb examples of engineering and excellent design/functionality. It keeps the prices low!! I purchased my 500 AWD Limited not long ago, used, with 19000 miles. I was looking for a suitable substitute to the mundane and boring SUVs and a departure from the bumpy ride from my most recent leased vehicle, a Dakota 4x4. The 500 is a complete 180 in terms of quality, comfort, utility and style. The interior is totally functional, the visibility is unrestricted and the power from the 3.0 engine is more than adequate for anything beyond a street race (at $2.00+ a gal. for gas, what the heck is so important about speed?

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  Just a few changes. - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Robert Reese - October 9 - 5:28 pm

  I would prefer the Front defroster button and the AC button be switched. As a driver I keep hitting the defrost button and finally realize its on the other side. Also the Manuqal stinks. It took me a long time to get Apps syncing with my iPhone. I just wish I could load more Apps as I prefer Waze over Maps for Navigation. Otherwise, I love the car.

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  2001 F-150 Super Crew - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Rick Henne - October 9 - 10:00 am

  After driving this model, I will never own a car for daily driving again. I will also never consider another brand. It was comfortable from the first test drive, no need to get used to driving, even with being higher in the air than I was used too. It has been an all around pleasure to drive.

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  Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cws6fan - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle I drove many, and the Explorer topped them all. I actually went to buy a Durango and a friend talked me into test driving an Explorer, I was hooked after the first drive. Could use a little more cargo area when the third seat is up, but overall I was so impressed I bought one four days after I first drove it.

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  Fusion is a great decision! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By debswebworks - October 9 - 7:17 am

  I absolutely love my Fusion SEL V6! The power and acceleration is great, I get good mileage on highway and around town, theres plenty of interior room to drive around my daughter and her friends, and I love the leather seats. The trunk has ample room, and they really thought out the interior features. I am so glad that I got the moonroof, but of course it comes standard with the SEL. I can see myself keeping this vehicle for many years, and giving it to my daughter when she is ready to drive, so I plan on purchasing the extended warranty. I am proud to be seen in this vehicle compared to my old Accord and Camry, this is my preferred car.

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  Freestyling - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By ec - October 8 - 3:54 pm

  Great car, not a luxury car but much more suited for people with children and grandchildren. Comfortable,great gas mileage, handles like a dream fun to drive. Much better looking than a van, better gas mileage than the Jeep Grand Laredo I traded in for it. I was hesitant about trading my Jeep in on the Freestyle, even felt guilty about it. But the extra room and the great gas mileage have made me glad I made the switch even though the Jeep never gave me a problem in all its 150,000 miles. Here,s to getting 150,000 miles or more out of my Freestyle

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  We love this car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By PND - October 8 - 11:29 am

  We used to be Toyota fans. The last two cars we owned were Camrys Our 96 would die on hills with no warning and had a clunk when shifting. No one including dealerships could figure it out. Our second 02 at 80K had the tranny go out. Our friends bought a 07 Camry we bought the Fusion. Runs perfect, sporty, fun, comfortable, we just love this car. Our friends just replaced the engine block and seat belts on the new Camry. Not one prob with our car. We are so glad we chose the Fusion.

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  Fits family and budget - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Dave fulkerson - October 8 - 10:45 am

  After nearly 2 years of ownership theres nothing not to like about our Explorer. We haul kids, camping gear and sports gear long and short distances very comfortably. There is no reason to pay $50000 or more for a quality family utility vehicle. The cost of ownership makes the Explorer a much better choice than the foreign snob-mobiles.